Apple's iKids Play Venture with Guardian Angel Publishing

Guardian Angel Publishing has just released a new book for Apple's new iKids Play. Maybe We Are Flamingos, by author Safari Sue Thurman and artist Kevin Collier will be the first book to be transformed into this new technology and with many other books waiting in the wings. What an adventure this holds for this fast moving company.

Louie V Planning New Book

Tracey Delio sent me a new manuscript for a new book of our favorite feline Louie V. The Secret Adventures of Louie V has been a school visit favorite for Tracey and some of the proceeds have gone to VH1, Save the Music and Autism Speaks.

I plan to start the Layouts for the new, Louie V. Takes the Cake , later this summer.

Picture Bookies Showcase

I'm so excited to be able to participate on the Picture-Bookies Showcase. What an honor to be surrounded with these wonderful illustrators.

Oh to be in Paris this time of year

Just a wish...........

SCHOOL VISITS WITH FLANNEL BOARD

My school visit was great fun last week. After using the overhead to project the story for all to see, I pulled out the flannel board for the next book with the smaller class next in line. As the story was read, I could place a character on the board keeping every ones attention. And keeping attention is key with the younger ones.
For this example I used a book by Cinthia Reeg, DOGGIE DAY CAMP, I illustrated.
After purchasing a large tri-fold poster board, I glued a bright color felt for a background.
My next step was taking the book to a copy shop and enlarging several important characters in the story. I had them laminate the large pieces and trim them. Later I used a velcro type sticker on back of each so they could be placed on the felt and also moved around. Using the characters, I could ask questions and involve my audience even more.
It was very easy and cheap to make and really proved to improve the visit.
I would love to hear how others make their school visits successful.